It’s All About Empathy
In looking at bedside manner, modern practitioners are zeroing in on empathy. A paper in the International Journal of Caring Sciences describes empathy as “the ‘capacity’ to share and understand another’s ‘state of mind’ or emotion” and a “powerful communication skill” that uses active listening and deepens understanding. This skill allows some doctors to fully grasp your apprehensions, concerns and the true weight of your questions when you’re in the examining room or hospital.
Your doctor’s empathy, or the ability to stand in your shoes, not only deepens the relationship between the two of you and makes you feel more satisfied with your visit, but also has measurable effects on your health.
